Material handling methods, storage devices, computer equipment, and testing equipment

Abstract

This application discloses a material handling method, a storage device, a computer device, and a testing device. The material handling method includes: providing a support platform with a transfer station and various types of unloading stations; placing the workpiece into a tray at the corresponding type of unloading station based on the workpiece's test results; responding to a full load at one type of unloading station, placing the workpiece into a tray at the transfer station, and designating the transfer station as a new unloading station of the corresponding type; replacing the tray at the full unloading station with an empty tray, and designating the empty tray as a new transfer station. Through these methods, this application can effectively improve the operating performance of the testing equipment, enabling continuous and smooth testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of semiconductor testing technology, and in particular to a material handling method, a storage device, a computer device, and a testing device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing testing equipment for inspecting dies, the testing equipment often stops due to loading and unloading, resulting in the inability of the testing equipment to operate continuously, which in turn greatly affects the production progress. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application mainly provides a material handling method, a storage device, a computer device, and a testing device to solve the problem of testing devices needing to be stopped during operation.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application adopts a technical solution as follows: providing a material handling method. The material handling method includes: providing a support platform, the support platform having a transfer station and multiple types of unloading stations; placing the workpiece in a tray of the corresponding type of unloading station according to the workpiece's test results; responding to a full load at one type of unloading station, placing the workpiece in a tray of the transfer station, and using the transfer station as a new unloading station of the corresponding type; replacing the full-loaded tray of the unloading station with an empty tray, and using the empty tray as a new transfer station.

[0005] In some implementations, the number of transfer stations is the same as the number of workpieces that can be picked up simultaneously.

[0006] In some embodiments, the support platform is provided with multiple feed inlets, and the transfer station and various types of unloading stations are all provided corresponding to the respective feed inlets;

[0007] The replacement of the fully loaded pallet at the unloading station with an empty pallet includes:

[0008] The fully loaded tray of the unloading station is transferred from below the bearing platform through the feed port;

[0009] The empty carrier tray is conveyed from below the carrier platform through the feed port to the carrier platform.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support platform is further provided with a loading station, and the material handling method further includes:

[0011] The workpiece is picked up from the tray at the loading station and transported to the testing device for testing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the material handling method further includes:

[0013] First, the workpiece that has completed testing is picked up from the testing device, and then the workpiece picked up from the tray at the loading station is placed on the testing device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support platform has at least two loading stations.

[0015] In some implementations, visual recognition is used to confirm whether the unloading station is fully loaded.

[0016] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a storage device. The storage device stores program data, which can be executed by a processor to implement the material handling method described above.

[0017] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a computer device. The computer device includes a processor and a memory, the processor being coupled to the memory, the memory being used to store program data, and the processor being used to execute the program data to implement the material handling method described above.

[0018] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a testing device. The testing device includes a platform, a pickup device, and a computer device as described above, wherein the computer device is communicatively connected to the pickup device.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Unlike existing technologies, this application discloses a material handling method, a storage device, a computer device, and a testing device. By setting up a transfer station, and after the unloading station is fully loaded, this transfer station can be designated as a new unloading station, and an empty pallet can replace the fully loaded pallet at the original unloading station. The original unloading station then becomes the new transfer station. Therefore, even if the unloading station is fully loaded, the testing device does not need to stop and wait to replace the pallet, enabling continuous and smooth operation throughout the process, effectively improving the operating performance of the testing device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the testing equipment provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the feeding device and unloading device in the test equipment shown;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the feeding device in the test equipment shown;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The exploded view of the feeding device is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the feeding and unloading mechanism in the feeding device shown.

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the unloading device in the test equipment shown;

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An exploded view of the self-locking mechanism in the unloading device shown.

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the carrier device and the pickup device in the test equipment shown;

[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows the structural schematic of the support device.

[0030] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the handling device in the test equipment shown;

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the alignment seat and receiving mechanism in the conveying device shown;

[0032] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the test device in the test equipment shown;

[0033] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the visual inspection mechanism in the test device shown;

[0034] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the testing mechanism in the testing device shown;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the material handling method provided in this application;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the computer device provided in this application;

[0037] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the storage device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the embodiments of this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0040] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0041] This application provides a testing device, see reference. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the testing equipment provided in this application.

[0042] The testing equipment 100 includes a feeding device 10, an unloading device 20, a conveying device 30, a bearing device 40, a picking device 50, a testing device 60, and a frame 70. The feeding device 10, the unloading device 20, the bearing device 40, and the picking device 50 are all mounted on the frame 70. The conveying device 30 can be mounted independently or mounted on the frame 70. The testing device 60 is spaced apart from the frame 70 and mounted independently, thereby preventing vibrations and other disturbances generated by other devices from being transmitted to the testing device 60.

[0043] The feeding device 10 is used to supply empty pallets and pallets carrying untested workpieces; the unloading device 20 is used to carry pallets carrying workpieces that have been tested; the carrying device 40 is used to store workpieces to be tested and workpieces that have been tested; the conveying device 30 is used to move pallets between the feeding device 10 and the carrying device 40 and between the unloading device 20 and the carrying device 40; the picking device 50 is used to move workpieces between the carrying device 40 and the testing device 60; and the testing device 60 is used to test the workpieces to evaluate their performance or quality.

[0044] See also Figure 12 , Figure 12 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the testing device in the testing equipment. The support device 40 includes a support platform 42 and a positioning mechanism 44. The support platform 42 is provided with a feed inlet 420, and the positioning mechanism 44 is disposed on the support platform 42 for positioning the tray that enters through the feed inlet 420.

[0045] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,in Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the feeding and unloading devices in the test equipment. The support platform 42 is fixed to the frame 70, and the support platform 42 is also provided with a first clearance opening 421 and a second clearance opening 422. The feeding device 10 is disposed on the support platform 42 and corresponds to the first clearance opening 421, for accommodating multiple stacked trays; the unloading device 20 is disposed on the support platform 42 corresponding to the second clearance opening 422, for accommodating multiple stacked trays.

[0046] The feeding device 10 supplies a tray to the conveying device 30, and the conveying device 30 transports the tray, which is fully loaded with the tested workpieces, to the unloading device 20.

[0047] The support platform 42 can be a complete plate or multiple separate plates, and the feeding device 10, unloading device 20 and positioning mechanism 44 can be set on different plates.

[0048] In this embodiment, the support platform 42 includes two support plates, which are adjacent and arranged side by side. The positioning mechanism 44 and the picking device 50 are disposed on one of the support plates, and the feeding device 10 and the unloading device 20 are disposed on the other plate.

[0049] The support platform 42 is provided with two first clearance openings 421, twelve second clearance openings 422, and sixteen feed inlets 420. In other words, two sets of feeding devices 10 are respectively set on the support platform 42 corresponding to the two first clearance openings 421, twelve sets of unloading devices 20 are respectively set on the support platform 42 corresponding to the twelve second clearance openings 422, and sixteen sets of positioning mechanisms 44 are respectively set on the support platform 42 corresponding to the sixteen feed inlets 420.

[0050] One of the two sets of feeding devices 10 carries multiple untested workpieces in its carrier tray, which is used to supplement the workpieces to be tested. The other set of feeding devices 10 carries an empty carrier tray, which is used to supplement the empty carrier tray that carries the workpieces after the test is completed.

[0051] The sixteen feed inlets 420 correspond to two loading stations, two transfer stations, and twelve unloading stations, with the number of unloading stations corresponding to the unloading device 20. One of the twelve unloading stations is a defective product station, used for workpieces verified as defective. The remaining eleven unloading stations are used to carry different types of workpieces after testing. For example, workpieces are classified into twelve quality grades, including defective products and the other eleven grades. Workpieces verified as being of the same grade are placed on the same unloading station. Once the pallets at the corresponding unloading station are full, they are transported to the corresponding unloading device 20.

[0052] Two loading stations and two transfer stations are set up to improve the smooth operation of the testing equipment 100 and avoid the picking device 50 from pausing during operation, which would affect the testing efficiency of the testing equipment 100.

[0053] Optionally, the testing equipment 100 may also include other numbers of feeding devices 10, unloading devices 20 and positioning mechanisms 44, which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0054] See also Figures 2 to 5 ,in Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the feeding device in the test equipment shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the feeding device. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the feeding and unloading mechanism in the feeding device shown.

[0055] The feeding device 10 includes a feeding rack 12, a locking mechanism 14, and a take-up and release mechanism 16. The feeding rack 12 is used to accommodate multiple trays stacked together. The locking mechanism 14 is used to lock some of the trays. The take-up and release mechanism 16 is located at the discharge port 120 of the feeding rack 12. When the locking mechanism 14 locks some of the trays, it allows the unlocked trays to pass through the discharge port 120. When the locking mechanism 14 does not lock the trays, it blocks the trays from passing through the discharge port 120. This allows for stacked loading and sequential unloading.

[0056] The stacked arrangement of the pallets can increase the loading capacity of the feeding device 10, and the discharge port 120 is located below the feeding frame 12 and corresponds to the first clearance port 421. The pallets are loaded into the feeding device 10 from the top of the support platform 42, making it more convenient to replenish the pallets.

[0057] In this embodiment, the feeding rack 12 includes a first feeding frame 121, a second feeding frame 122, and a plurality of support rods 124 disposed between the first feeding frame 121 and the second feeding frame 122. The first feeding frame 121 has a feeding port 120, and the plurality of support rods 124 are used to shape the plurality of carriers.

[0058] The first feeding frame 121 and the second feeding frame 122 are hollow frames and are spaced apart. Multiple support rods 124 are arranged between the first feeding frame 121 and the second feeding frame 122 to keep the stacked trays aligned with each other.

[0059] The second feeding frame 122 includes two spaced-apart shaping frames 123. The support rod 124 is disposed between the corresponding shaping frame 123 and the first feeding frame 121. The two shaping frames 123 limit the tray from two opposite sides of the tray, and a space for loading and unloading the tray is formed between the two shaping frames 123 to facilitate loading the tray.

[0060] In this embodiment, the take-up and release mechanism 16 includes two sets of take-up and release sub-mechanisms 160. The two sets of take-up and release sub-mechanisms 160 are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the first feeding frame 121. The two sets of take-up and release sub-mechanisms 160 cooperate with each other to allow or block the tray from passing through the feeding port 120.

[0061] The take-up and release sub-mechanism 160 includes a stop lever 161 and a drive assembly 162. The drive assembly 162 is connected to the stop lever 161 and is used to drive the stop lever 161 to extend to block the tray from passing through the discharge port 120, or to drive the stop lever 161 to retract to allow the tray to pass through the discharge port 120.

[0062] When the baffle 161 extends, it is at least partially located in the area where the discharge port 120 is located, so that the baffles 161 on both sides can provide support for the tray, i.e., block the tray from passing through the discharge port 120; when the baffle 161 retracts and exits the discharge port 120, the tray can be allowed to pass through the discharge port 120.

[0063] The drive assembly 162 can drive the stop lever 161 to extend or retract in the same direction, or the drive assembly 162 can drive the stop lever 161 to rotate and extend or rotate and retract, so as to block or allow the tray to pass through the discharge port 120.

[0064] In this embodiment, the drive assembly 162 includes a support base 163 and a slide rod 164. The slide rod 164 is slidably mounted on the support base 163, and one end of the stop rod 161 is hinged to one end of the slide rod 164. The slide rod 164 drives one end of the stop rod 161 to slide into the support base 163, so that the stop rod 161 rotates relative to the slide rod 164 under the guidance of the support base 163 and changes from a retracted state to an extended state. It is then constrained by the support base 163 and remains in the extended state, thereby blocking the tray from passing through the discharge port 120. The slide rod 164 drives one end of the stop rod 161 to slide out of the support base 163. The stop rod 161 rotates in the opposite direction relative to the slide rod 164 due to the release of constraint, changing from an extended state to a retracted state, thereby allowing the tray to pass through the discharge port 120.

[0065] The first feeding frame 121 is provided with a relief groove 125, which is connected to the feeding port 120. The relief groove 125 is used to accommodate the stop bar 161 in the retracted state so as to free up the feeding port 120.

[0066] The bearing seat 163 is provided with a first shaft hole and a second shaft hole that are coaxial. The first shaft hole is slidably engaged with the slide rod 164. The slide rod 164 is also provided with a retaining ring located in the second shaft hole. The drive assembly 162 also includes an elastic element 165. The elastic element 165 is sleeved on the slide rod 164 and is elastically compressed between the stepped surface between the second shaft hole and the first shaft hole and the retaining ring. Thus, without the action of external force, the elastic element 165 can drive the stop rod 161 to remain extended.

[0067] The elastic element 165 can be a compression spring or an elastic sleeve, etc.

[0068] The drive assembly 162 may also include a power component 166 such as a motor or cylinder, which is connected to the other end of the slide rod 164 and is used to drive the slide rod 164 to slide along the first shaft hole.

[0069] Optionally, the receiving and releasing mechanism 16 can also be a tray mechanism provided at the discharge port 120. The tray can be located at the discharge port 120 to support the tray or to carry the unlocked tray away from the discharge port 120.

[0070] The locking mechanism 14 includes a drive member 140 and two grippers 142. The drive member 140 and the two grippers 142 are connected and are used to drive the two grippers 142 to clamp and lock a portion of the multiple trays from opposite sides of the feeder 12.

[0071] The drive unit 140 can be a finger-clamping cylinder. Two grippers 142 are connected to the finger-clamping cylinder. The finger-clamping cylinder drives the two grippers 142 to close to clamp and lock a portion of the multiple carriers. The finger-clamping cylinder drives the two grippers 142 to separate to release the locked carriers.

[0072] The driving component 140 can also be a motor. There are two motors, each connected to a corresponding gripper 142, so that the two grippers 142 can be driven to close or separate.

[0073] In this embodiment, the driving component 140 is a finger-gripping cylinder, and the gripper 142 includes a bent connecting part 143 and a clamping part 144. The connecting part 143 is disposed on the driving component 140, and the clamping part 144 is used to apply clamping force to multiple trays from one side of the loading rack 12.

[0074] The locking mechanism 14 also includes a sliding member 145 and a guide member 146. The sliding member 145 is disposed on the clamping part 144 and slides in cooperation with the guide member 146. The guide member 146 is disposed on the support platform 42, thereby supporting the gripper 142 and improving the clamping accuracy.

[0075] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the unloading device in the test equipment. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the self-locking mechanism in the unloading device.

[0076] The unloading device 20 includes an unloading rack 22 and a self-locking mechanism 24. The unloading rack 22 is used to accommodate multiple stacked trays. The self-locking mechanism 24 is located at the unloading port 220 of the unloading rack 22 and is used to support the trays after they enter the unloading rack 22 through the unloading port 220.

[0077] The self-locking mechanism 24 only allows the tray to enter the unloading rack 22 through the unloading port 220, but does not allow the tray to leave the unloading rack 22 through the unloading port 220.

[0078] In this embodiment, the unloading frame 22 includes a first unloading frame 221, a second unloading frame 222, and a plurality of support rods 224 disposed between the first unloading frame 221 and the second unloading frame 222. The first unloading frame 221 is provided with an unloading port 220, and the plurality of support rods 224 are used to shape the plurality of carriers.

[0079] The first unloading frame 221 and the second unloading frame 222 are hollow frames and are spaced apart. Multiple support rods 224 are arranged between the first unloading frame 221 and the second unloading frame 222 to keep the stacked trays aligned with each other.

[0080] The second unloading frame 222 includes two spaced-apart shaping frames 223. A support rod 224 is disposed between the corresponding shaping frame 223 and the first unloading frame 221. The two shaping frames 223 limit the tray from two opposite sides of the tray and form a space between the two shaping frames 223 for taking and placing the tray, so as to facilitate the unloading of the tray.

[0081] Furthermore, the unloading rack 22 also includes a foolproof component 225, which is disposed in the first unloading frame 221 and the second unloading frame 222 to limit the tray to enter the unloading rack 22 in a preset posture.

[0082] In this embodiment, the anti-mistake component 225 is a triangular prism, the carrier plate is rectangular, and one corner of it is a beveled angle, while the other triangles are right angles or rounded corners. Only when the beveled angle matches the anti-mistake component 225 can the carrier plate enter the unloading rack 22 through the unloading port 220. Otherwise, the orientation of the carrier plate needs to be adjusted so that the beveled angle is aligned with the anti-mistake component 225.

[0083] The self-locking mechanism 24 includes two sets of self-locking sub-mechanisms 240, which are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the first unloading frame 221. The two sets of self-locking sub-mechanisms 240 cooperate with each other to allow the pallet to enter the unloading rack 22 from the outside through the unloading port 220 and support the pallet.

[0084] The self-locking sub-mechanism 240 includes a support base 241 and a self-locking member 242 rotatably disposed on the support base 241; wherein the carrier plate pushes the self-locking member 242 to rotate from the outside through the unloading port 220 so as to enter the unloading rack 22, and after the carrier plate passes the self-locking member 242, the self-locking member 242 returns to its original position to support the carrier plate from the bottom of the carrier plate.

[0085] Specifically, the support base 241 includes two spaced-apart support legs 243 and a support top wall 244 disposed between the two support legs 243. A self-locking member 242 is rotatably disposed between the two support legs 243. The support top wall 244 is provided with a clearance groove 245. The self-locking member 242 rotates toward the clearance groove 245 to allow the pallet to pass through the discharge port 220. After the self-locking member 242 is reset, it extends to the discharge port 220. The side wall of the clearance groove 245 is also used to stop the self-locking member 242 to keep the self-locking member 242 in the reset position, thereby realizing the support of the pallet from the bottom of the pallet.

[0086] The self-locking component 242 is mounted between two support legs 243 via a pivot. The center of gravity of the self-locking component 242 is located on the side of the pivot facing the discharge port 220, and thus the self-locking component 242 automatically resets by gravity.

[0087] Furthermore, the self-locking element 242 can also be reset by a torsion spring.

[0088] The self-locking member 242 has an adjacent support surface 246 and a guide surface 247, which are set at an acute angle. The support surface 246 is used to support the carrier plate, and the carrier plate pushes the self-locking member 242 to rotate toward the clearance groove 245 along the guide surface 247.

[0089] See also Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the support device and the pickup device in the test equipment shown. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of the support device.

[0090] The carrier device 40 includes a carrier platform 42 and a positioning mechanism 44 disposed on the carrier platform 42. The carrier platform 42 is provided with a feed inlet 420. The positioning mechanism 44 is disposed corresponding to the feed inlet 420 and is used to position the tray that enters through the feed inlet 420.

[0091] That is, the support platform 42 is provided with a feed inlet 420, and the tray enters the feed inlet 420 from the side of the support platform 42 away from the positioning mechanism 44 and is positioned by the positioning mechanism 44.

[0092] In this embodiment, the support platform 42 is provided with a plurality of evenly distributed feed ports 420, and each feed port 420 is provided with a positioning mechanism 44. The plurality of pallets positioned by the plurality of positioning mechanisms 44 are divided into a loading station, a transfer station and an unloading station.

[0093] Specifically, the support platform 42 has sixteen evenly distributed feed ports 420, and the multiple trays positioned by the sixteen positioning mechanisms 44 are divided into two loading stations, two transfer stations and twelve unloading stations.

[0094] The positioning mechanism 44 can clamp the positioning tray from both sides, three sides or four sides of the tray, or the positioning mechanism 44 can also adsorb and fix the tray.

[0095] In this embodiment, the positioning mechanism 44 includes a first clamping sub-mechanism 441 and a second clamping sub-mechanism 442 disposed on both sides of the feed inlet 420. The first clamping sub-mechanism 441 and the second clamping sub-mechanism 442 cooperate to clamp the carrier plate entering through the feed inlet 420.

[0096] The first clamping submechanism 441 includes a first power member 4411 and a first positioning member 4412. The first positioning member 4412 is provided with a first positioning angle 4413. The first power member 4411 is used to drive the first positioning member 4412. The second clamping submechanism 442 includes a second power member 4421 and a second positioning member 4422. The second positioning member 4422 is provided with a second positioning angle 4423. The second power member 4423 is used to drive the second positioning member 4422. The first positioning angle 4413 and the second positioning angle 4423 clamp the carrier plate from two opposite corners.

[0097] The first clamping sub-mechanism 441 and the second clamping sub-mechanism 442 clamp the carrier plate from two opposite corners, thus setting them at an angle relative to each other, making the overall structure of the carrier device 40 more compact and helping to reduce costs.

[0098] The first positioning angle 4413 and the second positioning angle 4423 are adapted to the two opposite corners of the carrier plate. The bottom walls of the first positioning angle 4413 and the second positioning angle 4423 can support the carrier plate, and the side walls of the first positioning angle 4413 and the second positioning angle 4423 can clamp and limit the carrier plate to be in a set position so as to pick up the workpiece from the carrier plate or place the workpiece onto the carrier plate.

[0099] Furthermore, the positioning mechanism 44 also includes an elastic component 443, which is disposed on at least one of the first positioning angle 4413 and the second positioning angle 4423. The elastic component 443 is used to elastically limit the carrier disk to prevent damage to the carrier disk.

[0100] The elastic component 443 may be elastic cotton or a spring sheet, etc., disposed on the side wall of the first positioning angle 4413 or the second positioning angle 4423.

[0101] In this embodiment, the elastic component 443 includes a first elastic element 4431 and a second elastic element 4432. The first elastic element 4431 is connected to the first side wall of the first positioning angle 4413 and is used to elastically abut against one side wall of the carrier. The second elastic element 4432 is connected to the second side wall of the first positioning angle 4413 and is used to elastically abut against the other side wall of the carrier.

[0102] Both the first elastic element 4431 and the second elastic element 4432 are spring sheets.

[0103] Furthermore, the first clamping sub-mechanism 441 also includes a buffer assembly 445, which is disposed on the support platform 42 and connected to the first positioning member 4412; wherein the first power member 4411 is used to push one end of the first positioning member 4412, and after the first power member 4411 removes the push on the first positioning member 4412, the first positioning member 4412 is retracted under the action of the buffer assembly 445 to release the positioning of the carrier plate.

[0104] The buffer assembly 445 includes a first fixing member 4451, a second fixing member 4452, and a buffer guide member 4453. The first fixing member 4451 is disposed on the support platform 42, the second fixing member 4452 is disposed on the first positioning member 4412, and the buffer guide member 4453 is connected between the first fixing member 4451 and the second fixing member 4452.

[0105] The buffer guide 4453 can be a hydraulic buffer or an elastic damping buffer, etc.

[0106] In this embodiment, the second power member 4421 is connected to the second positioning member 4422 and is used to drive the second positioning member 4422 to a set position. The first power member 4411 is used to push one end of the first positioning member 4412, and the first positioning member 4412 is driven to move by pushing. The elastic component 443 is used to abut the tray, so that the tray can be positioned in the preset position without damage.

[0107] Furthermore, the carrier device 40 is also provided with a detection device 45, which is disposed on the carrier platform 42 corresponding to the feed port 420. The detection device 45 is used to detect whether there is a carrier plate at the feed port 420.

[0108] The detection device 45 can be an infrared sensor or an optocoupler, etc., and after detecting the presence of a carrier at the feed inlet 420, it sends a signal, which can be used to adjust the positioning mechanism 44 to clamp and position the carrier.

[0109] See also Figure 10 and Figure 11 , Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the handling device in the test equipment shown. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The diagram shows the structure of the calibration seat and the receiving mechanism in the conveying device.

[0110] The conveying device 30 is disposed below the support platform 42 and is used to convey the pallet between the feeding device 10 and the support device 40, and to convey the pallet between the support device 40 and the unloading device 20.

[0111] The conveying device 30 includes a receiving mechanism 31, an X-axis conveying mechanism 32, a Y-axis conveying mechanism 33, a calibration seat 34, and a calibration component 35. The X-axis conveying mechanism 32 is used to convey the receiving mechanism 31 along the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis conveying mechanism 33 is used to convey the receiving mechanism 31 along the Y-axis direction. The receiving mechanism 31 is used to receive the carrier plate. The calibration seat 34 and the calibration component 35 cooperate to position the received carrier plate.

[0112] The X-axis, Y-axis and lifting directions of the receiving mechanism 31 are arranged perpendicular to each other, so that the transport device 30 can transport the tray in a three-dimensional space and deliver the tray to any position in the three-dimensional space.

[0113] In this embodiment, the Y-axis conveying mechanism 33 is disposed on the X-axis conveying mechanism 32, and the receiving mechanism 31, the calibration seat 34 and the calibration component 35 are all disposed on the Y-axis conveying mechanism 33.

[0114] Both the X-axis conveying mechanism 32 and the Y-axis conveying mechanism 33 include a power component 320, a lead screw assembly 322, and a guide assembly 324. The power component 320 drives the platform 325 mounted on it to move under the support of the guide assembly 324 via the lead screw assembly 320.

[0115] The calibration seat 34 is disposed on the platform 325. Specifically, the platform 325 is provided with two spaced-apart support walls, the calibration seat 34 is connected to the support walls, and an accommodating space is formed between the calibration seat 34 and the platform 325.

[0116] The receiving mechanism 31 includes a receiving platform 310 and a drive assembly 312. The receiving platform 310 is located on the side of the calibration seat 34 away from the platform 325. Part of the drive assembly 312 is located in the accommodating space formed between the calibration seat 34 and the platform 325. The drive assembly 312 also passes through the calibration seat 34 and is connected to the receiving platform 310 to drive the receiving platform 310 to move up and down relative to the calibration seat 34.

[0117] The calibration component 35 is disposed on the calibration seat 34 and is used to perform position calibration on the tray received by the receiving platform 310 to adjust the posture of the received tray, so as to make it easier to align the tray with the feed port 420 or the second clearance port 422 in a set posture, and to allow the tray to be conveyed to the unloading device 20 through the feed port 420, or to allow the tray to be conveyed to the bearing device 40 through the second clearance port 422.

[0118] The calibration seat 34 is rectangular and has a receiving groove 340. The receiving platform 310 can be accommodated in the receiving groove 340 to enhance the protection of the carrier plate and collect the workpieces dropped from the carrier plate.

[0119] The calibration assembly 35 includes two sets of calibration mechanisms 350, which are arranged on opposite corners of the receiving groove 340 and are used to perform position calibration of the carrier plate received by the receiving platform 310 along the diagonal.

[0120] The correction mechanism 350 includes a drive member 351 and a diagonal positioning member 352. The drive member 351 is connected to the diagonal positioning member 352. The diagonal positioning member 352 is provided with a positioning groove 353 that matches the diagonal of the carrier plate. The two diagonal positioning members 352 clamp the two diagonal corners of the carrier plate along the diagonal through the positioning groove 353, thereby correcting the position of the carrier plate.

[0121] Specifically, the side wall of the receiving groove 340 is provided with a mounting groove 342, the driving member 351 is disposed in the mounting groove 342, and the side wall of the mounting groove 342 also guides the diagonal positioning member 352.

[0122] Furthermore, the calibration base 34 is also provided with a detection device 343, which is used to detect whether there is a carrier disk between the two sets of calibration mechanisms 350, and to send a signal after detecting the presence of a carrier disk, so that the two sets of calibration mechanisms 350 are triggered to start position calibration.

[0123] The drive assembly 312 includes a motor 313, a lead screw 314, a lead screw nut (not shown), and a guide rod 316. The lead screw nut is mounted on the calibration seat 34. The lead screw 314 is threadedly assembled with the lead screw nut, and one end of the lead screw 314 is connected to the motor 313. The other end of the lead screw 314 is rotatably connected to the receiving platform 310. The guide rod 316 slides through the calibration seat 34 and connects the motor 313 and the receiving platform 310.

[0124] The guide rod 316 is fixedly connected between the motor 313 and the receiving platform 310. The motor 313 drives the lead screw to rotate, which allows the receiving platform 310 and the motor 313 to move up and down relative to the correction seat 34 along the axial direction of the guide rod 316.

[0125] The receiving platform 310 is raised to receive the trays conveyed by the feeding device 10 through the first clearance port 421, or the trays conveyed by the carrying device 40 through the feed port 420. After receiving the trays, the receiving platform 310 is lowered and housed in the receiving groove 340, and the correction component 35 corrects the position of the trays. Alternatively, the receiving platform 310 is raised to convey the trays it carries through the second clearance port 422 to the unloading device 20, or to convey the trays it carries through the feed port 420 to the positioning mechanism 44.

[0126] Optionally, the drive assembly 312 may be a cylinder, the drive end of which is connected to the receiving platform 310 and is used to drive the receiving platform 310 to rise and fall.

[0127] The calibration seat 34 is also equipped with two limit switches 345. Specifically, the two limit switches 345 are set on the support wall connected to the calibration seat 34, and the motor 313 is equipped with a baffle 317. The two limit switches 345 cooperate with the baffle 317 to limit the lifting stroke of the receiving platform 310 and prevent the receiving platform 310 from colliding with other objects.

[0128] See also Figures 12 to 14 , Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the testing device in the test equipment shown. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the visual inspection mechanism in the test device shown. Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the testing mechanism in the testing device shown.

[0129] The testing device 60 includes multiple testing mechanisms 62, a visual inspection mechanism 64, and a controller (not shown).

[0130] Multiple test mechanisms 62 are arranged in a row. Each test mechanism 62 includes a test plate 620 and an adjustment platform 622. The test plate 620 is provided with a test interface 621, which is used to dock with the workpiece to be tested. The adjustment platform 622 is used to support the workpiece and adjust its position.

[0131] The visual inspection mechanism 64 includes a first camera 641 and a second camera 642. The first camera 641 is used to acquire images of the workpiece on the adjustment platform 622, and the second camera 642 is used to acquire images of the corresponding test interface 621.

[0132] The controller is used to control the adjustment platform 622 to adjust the alignment of the workpiece and the test interface 621 based on the image information acquired by the first camera 641 and the image information acquired by the second camera 642. This allows the workpiece on the adjustment platform 622 to be automatically calibrated with the test interface 621, thereby effectively improving the docking efficiency between the workpiece and the test interface 621.

[0133] The testing device 60 also includes an independent support plate 66, on which multiple testing mechanisms 62 and visual inspection mechanisms 64 are mounted. The support plate 66 is spaced apart from the support stage 42 to isolate disturbances from the support stage 42.

[0134] The visual inspection mechanism 64 includes multiple sets of first cameras 641 and at least one set of second cameras 642. The first cameras 641 are set in a one-to-one correspondence with the adjustment platform 622, and the second cameras 642 are used to acquire images of the test interfaces 621 of at least two sets of test boards 620.

[0135] In this embodiment, there are four sets of test mechanisms 62, four sets of first cameras 641, and one set of second cameras 642. The first cameras 641 are set in one-to-one correspondence with the adjustment platform 622, and the second cameras 642 are used to acquire images from the four test interfaces 621 in sequence.

[0136] Optionally, the number of test units 62 can be two or six, the number of first cameras 641 can be two or six, and the number of second cameras 642 can be one, two, or three. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0137] In this embodiment, the visual inspection mechanism 64 includes multiple sets of first acquisition driving components 643 and second acquisition driving components 644.

[0138] Multiple sets of first acquisition drive components 643 are connected one-to-one with multiple sets of first cameras 641, and are used to drive the first camera 641 to move above the adjustment platform 622 along the first direction.

[0139] The second acquisition drive component 644 is connected to the second camera 642 and is used to drive the second camera 642 to move sequentially along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to correspond to the test board 620 of each test mechanism 62, and further drive the second camera 642 to move along the first direction to the bottom of the test board 620 to acquire images of the test interface 621.

[0140] Specifically, the first acquisition drive component 643 includes a motion sub-component 6431 and an adjustment component 6432. The motion sub-component 6431 is used to drive the first camera 641 to move along a first direction. The adjustment component 6432 is connected between the motion sub-component 6431 and the first camera 641 and is used to fine-tune the first camera 641 in a second direction.

[0141] The motion sub-assembly 6431 may include a motor and a lead screw mechanism. The motor is connected to the lead screw mechanism and drives the adjustment assembly 6432 to move in a first direction. The adjustment assembly 6432 carries the first camera 641 to move in order to acquire image information of the workpiece carried on the adjustment platform 622.

[0142] The motion sub-assembly 6431 can also be a cylinder, which is connected to the adjustment assembly 6432 and drives the adjustment assembly 6432 to move in the first direction.

[0143] The adjustment component 6432 can be a threaded adjustment mechanism that drives the first camera 644 to fine-tune along the second direction by rotating the thread, so that the first camera 641 can acquire an image of the workpiece.

[0144] The adjustment component 6432 can also be a sliding adjustment mechanism, which adjusts the position of the first camera 641 by sliding, and then fixes the first camera 641 in that position after the first camera 641 can acquire an image of the workpiece.

[0145] The second acquisition drive component 644 includes a first drive sub-component 6441 and a second drive sub-component 6442. The first drive sub-component 6441 is connected to the second camera 642 and is used to drive the second camera 642 to move along a first direction to move to below the test interface 621 and acquire image information of the test interface 621. The second drive sub-component 6442 is connected to the first drive sub-component 6441 and is used to drive the first drive sub-component 6441 to move along a second direction, thereby carrying the second camera 642 to move to correspond to the test board 620 of each test mechanism 62.

[0146] The first drive sub-assembly 6441 can be a belt mechanism or a lead screw mechanism, and the second drive sub-assembly 6442 can also be a belt mechanism or a lead screw mechanism.

[0147] The adjustment platform 622 includes a first adjustment component 6221, a second adjustment component 6222, and a rotation adjustment component 6223. The first adjustment component 6221 is used to adjust the position of the workpiece along a first direction. The second adjustment component 6222 is stacked on the first adjustment component 6221 and is used to adjust the position of the workpiece along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The rotation adjustment component 6223 is stacked on the second adjustment component 6222 and is used to rotate and adjust the position of the workpiece around a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. Therefore, the first adjustment component 6221, the second adjustment component 6222, and the rotation adjustment component 6223 cooperate to align the workpiece on the adjustment platform 622 with the test interface 621.

[0148] Both the first adjustment component 6221 and the second adjustment component 6222 can be slider mechanisms or the like, to adjust the orientation of the workpiece along the first or second installation direction.

[0149] The rotation adjustment component 6223 can be a turntable mechanism, etc., which adjusts the deflection angle between the workpiece and the test interface 621 by rotation.

[0150] Furthermore, the adjustment platform 622 also includes a third adjustment component 6224, which is used to adjust the workpiece and the test interface 621 along a third direction.

[0151] The third adjustment component 6224 can be a cylinder or a lead screw mechanism.

[0152] Furthermore, the adjustment platform 622 also includes a support platform 6225, which is disposed on the rotary adjustment assembly 6223 and is used to adsorb and fix the workpiece.

[0153] See again Figure 8 The picking device 50 includes a picking mechanism 52 and a moving mechanism 54. The picking mechanism 52 is used to pick up the workpiece, and the moving mechanism 54 is connected to the picking mechanism 52 and is used to transport the picking mechanism 52.

[0154] The picking mechanism 52 includes multiple sets of first picking and placing components 521 and multiple sets of second picking and placing components 522. The first picking and placing components 521 are used to pick up and place the workpiece to be tested, and the second picking and placing components 522 are used to pick up and place the workpiece after testing.

[0155] The first pick-and-place component 521 picks up the workpiece from the tray at the loading station. The moving mechanism 54 transports the pick-up mechanism 52 to the testing device 60. The second pick-and-place component 522 picks up the tested workpiece from the testing device 60. The first pick-and-place component 521 then places the picked-up workpiece into the testing device 60. The moving mechanism 54 then transports the pick-up mechanism 52 to the carrying device 40. The second pick-and-place component 522 places the tested workpiece into the corresponding grade tray at the unloading station according to the test results.

[0156] In this embodiment, the picking mechanism 52 includes two sets of first picking and placing components 521 and two sets of second picking and placing components 522. The first picking and placing components 521 and the second picking and placing components 522 have the same structure and both pick up the workpiece by adsorption.

[0157] The moving mechanism 54 includes a first moving sub-mechanism 541 and a second moving sub-mechanism 542. The first moving sub-mechanism 541 is connected to the picking mechanism 52 and is used to drive the picking mechanism 52 to move in a first horizontal direction. The second moving sub-mechanism 542 is connected to the first moving sub-mechanism 541 and is used to drive the first moving sub-mechanism 541 to move in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction, thereby carrying the picking mechanism 52 to move in the second direction.

[0158] This application also provides a method for picking up and placing materials, see reference. Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the material handling method provided in this application. In this embodiment, the material handling method includes:

[0159] S10: Provides a support platform with a transfer station and various types of unloading stations.

[0160] The support platform 42 is provided with multiple feed ports 420. Each feed port 420 is equipped with a positioning mechanism 44. The trays are positioned by the positioning mechanism 44 through the feed ports 420. The positions of each tray are divided into feeding station, transfer station and unloading station.

[0161] The loading station holds trays containing untested workpieces, the transfer station holds empty trays, and the unloading station holds workpieces that have been tested.

[0162] The number of feeding stations can be two or three, that is, the carrier platform 42 is provided with at least two feeding stations, which allows the picking device 50 to continuously pick up materials without waiting for the feeding tray to be replaced; the number of transfer stations is the same as the number of workpieces that can be picked up at the same time, so that even if some trays at the unloading station are full, the picking device 50 can still maintain uninterrupted operation by placing the tested workpieces into the trays at the transfer stations.

[0163] Furthermore, the material handling method also includes:

[0164] Pick-up device 50 picks up workpieces from the tray at the loading station and transports them to testing device 60 for testing.

[0165] The material handling method further includes:

[0166] The picking device 50 first picks up the tested workpiece from the testing device 60, and then places the workpiece picked up from the tray at the loading station onto the testing device 60.

[0167] S20: Based on the test results of the workpiece, place the workpiece in the tray of the corresponding type of unloading station.

[0168] After the workpiece is tested by the testing device 60, it will be classified according to the test results. Workpieces of the same grade will be placed in the trays of the corresponding unloading station. The grades of the unloading station include defective products, grade one, grade two, or grade three, etc.

[0169] In this embodiment, there are twelve unloading stations, which include defective products and the remaining eleven grades of good products.

[0170] For example, if the test results show that the workstation is a Grade 7 good product, the picking device 50 will place the workpiece in the tray of the unloading station corresponding to the Grade 7 good product.

[0171] S30: In response to one type of unloading station being full, place the workpiece in the tray of the transfer station and set the transfer station as a new unloading station of the corresponding type.

[0172] The capacity of the carrier tray is limited, and a new carrier tray needs to be replaced when the carrier tray is full. When a certain type of unloading station is full, and during the period when the carrier tray needs to be replaced, the pick-up device 50 places the tested workpiece into the carrier tray of the transfer station and designates the transfer station as the new unloading station of that type.

[0173] For example, if the pallets at the unloading station for defective products are full, one of the transfer stations will be used as a new unloading station for defective products and used to place defective products.

[0174] In this embodiment, visual recognition is used to confirm whether the unloading station is fully loaded.

[0175] S40: Replace the fully loaded pallet at the unloading station with an empty pallet and use the empty pallet as a new transfer station.

[0176] After the fully loaded unloading station's pallet is replaced, an empty pallet is transported and placed at the original unloading station, which is then designated as the new transfer station. This ensures that the testing equipment can continuously inspect the workpiece 100% of the time.

[0177] In this embodiment, the fully loaded pallet of the unloading station is transferred from below the support platform 42 through the feed port 420, and the empty pallet is transported from below the support platform 42 through the feed port 420 to the support platform 42.

[0178] In other words, the tray is replaced from below the support platform 42, while the workpiece is picked up from above the support platform 42 for inspection and classification. This places the tray replacement and workpiece picking in different spaces to avoid interference between them, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the testing equipment 100.

[0179] Based on this, this application also provides a computer device 200, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 16 , Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device according to an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the computer device 200 includes a processor 210 and a memory 220. The processor 210 is coupled to the memory 220. The memory 220 is used to store programs, and the processor 210 is used to execute programs to implement the material handling method of any of the above embodiments.

[0180] The computer device 200 may be a control device or controller in the aforementioned test device 100, and it is communicatively connected to the pickup device 50 to implement the aforementioned positioning method.

[0181] Computer device 200 can be a codec. Processor 210 can also be called CPU (Central Processing Unit). Processor 210 can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. Processor 210 can also be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component. General-purpose processor 210 can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0182] Based on this, this application also provides a storage device 300, please refer to... Figure 17 , Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a storage device according to an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the storage device 300 stores program data 310, which can be executed by a processor to implement the material handling method of any of the above embodiments.

[0183] The program data 310 can be stored in the aforementioned storage device 300 in the form of a software product, including several instructions to cause a device or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of various embodiments of this application.

[0184] Storage device 300 is a medium in computer memory used to store certain discontinuous physical quantities. The aforementioned storage device 300 includes various media capable of storing program data 310 code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0185] Unlike existing technologies, this application discloses a material handling method, a storage device, a computer device, and a testing device. By setting up a transfer station, and after the unloading station is full, the transfer station can be designated as a new unloading station, and an empty pallet can replace the full pallet at the original unloading station. Then, the original unloading station becomes the new transfer station. Thus, even if the unloading station is full, the testing device does not need to stop and wait to replace the pallet, and it can operate continuously and smoothly, effectively improving the operating performance of the testing device.

[0186] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for handling and placing materials, characterized in that, The material handling method includes: A carrying platform is provided, which is equipped with a transfer station and various types of unloading stations; Based on the test results of the workpiece, the workpiece is placed in the carrier tray of the corresponding type of unloading station; In response to one type of unloading station being full, the workpiece is placed in the tray of the transfer station, and the transfer station is used as a new unloading station of the corresponding type. The empty pallets are used to replace the fully loaded pallets at the unloading station, and the empty pallets are used as the new transfer station. The support platform is provided with multiple feed inlets, and the transfer station and various types of unloading stations are all provided corresponding to the respective feed inlets. The replacement of the fully loaded pallet at the unloading station with an empty pallet includes: The fully loaded tray of the unloading station is transferred from below the bearing platform through the feed port to the unloading device. The empty carrier tray in the feeding device is conveyed from below the support platform through the feed port to the support platform; The material handling method further includes: The workpiece is picked up from above the support platform to inspect it; The support platform is equipped with a positioning mechanism, which is used to position the carrier tray that enters through the feed port; The positioning mechanism includes a first clamping sub-mechanism and a second clamping sub-mechanism disposed on both sides of the feed inlet. The first clamping sub-mechanism and the second clamping sub-mechanism cooperate to clamp the carrier plate entering through the feed inlet.

2. The material handling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of transfer stations is the same as the number of workpieces that can be picked up simultaneously.

3. The material handling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support platform is also equipped with a loading station, and the material handling method further includes: The workpiece is picked up from the tray at the loading station and transported to the testing device for testing.

4. The material handling method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The material handling method further includes: First, the workpiece that has completed testing is picked up from the testing device, and then the workpiece picked up from the tray at the loading station is placed on the testing device.

5. The material handling method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support platform is equipped with at least two loading stations.

6. The material handling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unloading station is confirmed to be fully loaded using visual recognition.

7. A storage device with storage function, characterized in that, The storage device stores program data that can be executed by a processor to implement the material handling method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A computer device, characterized in that, The computer device includes a processor and a memory, the processor being coupled to the memory for storing program data, and the processor for executing the program data to implement the material handling method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. A testing device, characterized in that, The testing equipment includes a platform, a pickup device, and a computer device as described in claim 8, wherein the computer device is communicatively connected to the pickup device.

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